News

Ministerial media release - 75th anniversary of Darwin bombings

MEDIA RELEASE

THE HON DAN TEHAN MP

MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRSMINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNELMINISTER ASSISTING THE PRIME MINISTER FOR CYBER SECURITYMINISTER ASSISTING THE PRIME MINISTER FOR THE CENTENARY OF ANZAC

10 February 2017

Commemorations for 75th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin

Minister for Veterans Affairs’ Dan Tehan said Australians will pause and reflect on the 75th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin on 19 February.

More than 240 people died during two separate attacks when 242 Japanese aircraft bombed Darwin on 19 February 1942.

Mr Tehan said the attacks had brought the Second World War to Australian shores and we should pause to remember those killed and those who defended Darwin on this national day of observance.

A national commemoration organised by the Northern Territory Government will recognise the anniversary with a service at the Cenotaph on the Darwin Esplanade at 9.30 am on Sunday 19 February, with an air raid siren sounded at 9.58 am to mark the precise time the first attack took place. The Australian American Association of the Northern Territory will also conduct a USS Peary Memorial Service.

“The bombing of Darwin Day has been a national day of observance since 2011 but other towns across Australia’s north were also bombed, including Katherine, Broome, Townsville, Wyndham and Cairns,” Mr Tehan said.

“Australia has been fortunate that global conflict has rarely reached our shores and the 75th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin is an opportunity to reflect on the lives lost because of the attack and to be grateful for the men and women of our armed forces who fight to defend us.

“On the 75th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin the country will stop, pause and reflect on a significant moment in our history and how it has shaped Australia.”

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 45 46). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.